NEW YORK HORSEMEN STEP UP FOR THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE
Lexington, KY ‘ April 28, 2014 ‘ The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) has joined the growing list of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation (TAA) supporters. Beginning with the Belmont Park spring meet, which opens Thursday, owners competing on the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit will donate $5 per start to the TAA, it was announced today. The tax-deductible donations are expected to total $100,000 per year . ‘The TAA is less than two years old, and already so many members of the racing and breeding industries have stepped forward to help us get closer to our goal of providing a long-term plan for Thoroughbred aftercare,’ said TAA Board President Jack Wolf. ‘We want to thank the New York horsemen, and their president, Rick Violette, for adding their support to this important initiative. Because of the enthusiastic response from the owners, breeders and trainers, as well as the stud farms, sales companies and racetracks, what we envisioned in 2012 is approaching reality more quickly than we could have imagined.’ ‘Five dollars per start is a small price to pay to ensure that our racehorses are well cared for when they retire from the track,’ said NYTHA President Rick Violette Jr., who is also on the Board of the TAA. ‘New York’s horsemen have always taken this responsibility very seriously, demonstrating their commitment to equine aftercare by creating the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Thoroughbred Retirement Program. Joining the TAA is a natural extension of our efforts on behalf of the horses. We are pleased to be able to support an organization that has, in a very short time, had a profound impact on the lives of retired racehorses.’ Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. The American Humane Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners have approved TAA’s Code of Standards and accreditation process. In December 2013, TAA awarded $1,000,000 to 23 accredited organizations managing 80 aftercare facilities across the U.S. and Canada. To apply for accreditation, or to support the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756. The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association represents the owners and trainers racing at NYRA tracks, providing benevolence to the backstretch community, safeguarding horsemen’s financial interests and supporting equine aftercare and research. For more information, go to www.nytha.com.
TAA NOW ACCEPTING ACCREDITATION APPLICATIONS FROM AFTERCARE ORGANIZATIONS
Lexington, KY ‘ February 24, 2014 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation, Inc. (TAA) announced today that its 2014 application for accreditation has been published online and that qualified aftercare organizations are encouraged to submit an application before May 15, 2014. According to TAA’s Code of Standards (available on thoroughbredaftercare.org), accreditation status is determined after a complete review of five areas; operations; education; horse health care management; facility standards and services; adoption policies and protocols. At a minimum, organizations applying for TAA accreditation must fulfill the following six requirements: The organization must be a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, or be a registered charity in Canada. The organization must have been operational for a minimum of three years. The organization must house a minimum of 50% and/or a minimum of five Thoroughbreds. The organization must have an official euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) as detailed on http://www.aaep.org/info/horse-health?publication=849 The organization’s principals have never been convicted of killing, abandoning, mistreating, neglecting, abusing or otherwise committing an act of cruelty against a horse. The organization has no legal proceedings pending against it, or against any principal of the organization and/or persons affiliated with the organization. TAA accreditation will be revoked and funding will be discontinued if organization provides false information in application. All organizations have a duty to notify TAA if any of these conditions are no longer met after application is submitted. ‘The American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Humane Association, among many others, have helped the TAA create a rigorous and thorough accreditation process that prioritizes one thing above all else ‘ the welfare of retired Thoroughbreds,’ said TAA Vice President Madeline Auerbach. ‘The American Association of Equine Practitioners strongly supports the efforts of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,’ said AAEP President Dr. Jeff Blea. ‘The AAEP has worked in partnership with the TAA on the development of its Code of Standards, best practices, its application and its site inspector documents and we support its efforts to improve the care of Thoroughbreds at rescue and retirement facilities throughout North America.’ ‘After a lifetime of work, our magnificent Thoroughbreds deserve a great retirement,’ said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. ‘The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been making significant strides in raising the level of care for these magnificent animals, accrediting nearly two dozen equine aftercare organizations in the just the first two years. We encourage all those doing the important work of caring for retired thoroughbreds to apply and join the growing movement of organizations committed to the highest possible standards.’ Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the TAA serves as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. Additional information about the TAA is available by visiting thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
TAA IN FULL SWING TO ACCREDIT TB CHARITIES
Click here to read the recent Blog on the Off-Track Thoroughbreds site featuring TAA. The blog highlights the recent aftercare activity around accrediting facilities as well as comments from our very own Mike Zeigler and the Vice President of CARMA, Madeline Auerbach.
YAHOO! SPORTS: THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE WINS 2013 SPECIAL ECLIPSE AWARD
This headline reads like a dream. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance wins the 2013 Special Eclipse Award honoring extraordinary service, individual achievements in, or contributions to the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Many thought an organization comprised of Thoroughbred breeders, owners, jockeys, and trainers dedicated to retraining and rehoming Thoroughbreds after their racing careers had ended, would never happen. But with hard work, determination, and the support of everyone involved, TAA has proven dreams do come true. When I caught up with the Executive Director of TAA, James Hastie, just days after their organization received the prestigious Special Eclipse Award to congratulate them; he was on the road and on the job. “Today I was at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales thanking as many buyers and sellers as I could for supporting us. The Ocala Breeders Sales, Keeneland Sales, Fasig-Tipton Sales, and the Barretts Sales are very instrumental in our success and we can’t thank them enough. Over the course of the year, their support adds up to a lot of funding for the direct care of the horses at TAA accredited aftercare facilities. In fact, sales companies made up 24.6% of our 2013 contributions.” What exactly is TAA? “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation (TAA) is an accrediting and funding mechanism set up by leaders in the North American Thoroughbred Racing Industry,” Hastie explained. “As of 2013, we have 23 accredited aftercare partners across the U.S. and Canada. TAA got its start with seed money provided by the Jockey Club, the Breeders’ Cup, and Keeneland Association. Jack Wolf and Madeline Auerbach, prominent owners in the Thoroughbred racing world, brought an impressive group of individuals together who represent various industry constituents, and founded TAA.” How large of an organization is TAA? “Right now, I am the only full-time employee, and thanks to the seed money investors I mentioned, 100% of the funds raised for aftercare in 2013 went directly to care for the horses being retired, retrained, and/or adopted out of the TAA accredited aftercare facilities. The Jockey Club donates my office space, phones, computers, and other administrative services. We have a roster of a few dozen volunteer site inspectors, as our accredited aftercare partners agree to live up to our Code of Standards which includes surprise inspections, and I just welcomed my first intern, Taylor Burns, a student from the University of KY. I am also in the process of recruiting an assistant from the U.S. Equestrian Federation.” These are exciting times for TAA indeed: an award, expansion.“The Special Eclipse Award we just received was most exciting and was received by TAA in recognition of all the outstanding work being done by the staff and volunteers at TAA accredited aftercare organizations. They are fulfilling TAA’s mission every day by creating opportunities for retired racehorses to enjoy retirement and/or a second career in dressage, cross country, show jumping, endurance riding, pleasure riding, etc.” How can the average horse person or fan help?“There are so many ways to help. Secure donations can be made through our website. Fundraisers can be organized. I used to work for the Red Cross and have seen the power of third-party fundraisers. They can also reach out to their friends and ask them to make a donation through ThoroughbredAftercare.org. I just read about one young lady who donated her birthday money to her local Thoroughbred aftercare facility after volunteering there.” What can officials in the racing industry do?“Our funding model suggests small gifts from everyone and anyone enjoying or benefiting from the sport of Thoroughbred racing. We have been asking for .05% from buyers and sellers at sales, and we just asked the top 100 trainers and jockeys to donate the equivalent of .05% of their earnings. That’s a $25 donation for every $50,000 in income, but if everyone involved with Thoroughbred racing included TAA in their annual giving, we would be providing millions of dollars to care for and retrain retired racehorses. “My goal is to broaden the base of financial support for TAA’s accredited aftercare facilities. Right now, the sales companies, leading industry organizations and stallion owners were the first to step up and provide a solid base from which to grow. Awarding $1,000,000 worth of grants in our first year of operations was definitely a noteworthy milestone. However, once the tracks, training facilities, trainers, jockeys, vets, blacksmiths, advanced deposit wagering companies, shipping companies, feed companies, tack companies, etc. embrace our mission; well, we are talking about an exponential growth in available funding. “We are looking at making ambassadors of those trainers and jockeys who pledge to donate a percentage of their earnings, individuals who would be proud to wear our TAA brand and promote their support of aftercare. The intern who just joined our team is a successful show jumping athlete and she has been a great ambassador for other charities. We believe it will work with the personalities in racing too.” What are your goals for the immediate and extended future of TAA? “In regards to our fundraising, I am reminded of the times at the Red Cross after a big disaster destroyed an entire town and families had lost loved ones, their homes, and all of their belongings. Just as the Red Cross provided an opportunity for displaced families to start over, we want to provide an opportunity for a growing number of Thoroughbreds at TAA accredited facilities to enjoy a comfortable retirement or a fulfilling secondary career. And, as we accredit more aftercare facilities and more Thoroughbreds are retrained to perform in other equestrian sports, we are going to need more money to supplement the budgets of our aftercare partners. “That said; I am very proud that I am in a position to inform our donors and prospective donors that in our first year, thanks to our seed investors, 100% of every dollar raised went to the direct care of these horses. And, looking at 2014, we will spend less than two cents to raise one dollar. Think about this: one gift to
COURIER-JOURNAL ARTICLE: LIFE AFTER RACING
Click here to take a peek at the Courier-Journal article highlighting TAA accredited facilities. Both New Vocations and Old Friends are mentioned in the piece written by Jennie Rees with wonderful videos and photos by Michael Clevenger .
PAULICK REPORT OTTB SHOWCASE: LUIS’S ESPECIAL (A.K.A. ‘LOUIE’)
Click here to read about Louie, who was rescued by one of our TAA accredited facilities, Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, and is now preparing to start his career in show jumping!
TAA ANNOUNCES MARCH OBS RESULTS
Lexington, KY ‘ June 14, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is pleased to announce that it has received $39,000 from the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s March Sale of Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training, held on March 12-13, 2013 in Ocala, Fla. This amount represents combined contributions from buyers and consignors and OBS. ‘We would like to thank OBS and all of the participants for their support of the TAA,’ said Mike Ziegler, Executive Director of TAA. ‘While the individual transactions are small–.05% of purchases or gross sales’they all add up to a meaningful amount which, combined with other industry contributions, will go a long way towards helping retired Thoroughbreds.’ ‘OBS is pleased to facilitate the funding process for TAA. It is critical to have industry wide support in order for this worthy cause to fulfill its mission.’ said Tom Ventura, President of OBS. Buyers and consignors will have another opportunity to support the TAA at the upcoming OBS June Sale of Two-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age on June 18-19, 2013 in Ocala. The TAA will have a representative on-site to provide information and answer questions from interested individuals. For more information on OBS, please visit their website at www.obssales.com. Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is designed to serve as both the accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To support the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
2013 ECLIPSE AWARD FINALISTS ARE ANNOUNCED
Led by Horse of the Year candidates Mucho Macho Man, Will Take Charge and Wise Dan, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers And Broadcasters today announced the finalists for the 2013 Eclipse Awards, recognizing excellence in Thoroughbred racing. Winners in 17 horse and human categories will be announced at the 43rd annual Eclipse Awards dinner and ceremony, presented by Daily Racing Form, Breeders’ Cup and The Stronach Group on Saturday evening, January 18 at the Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla. Click here to read more about the finalists.
PAULICK REPORT OTTB SHOWCASE: KING DON (A.K.A. ‘KINGSLEY’)
Click here to read about this amazing horse named Kingsley, who was retrained at the TAA accredited facility, Florida TRAC. He then began his second career as a therapy horse at the Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida, INC. (EATSF)
2015 APPLICATION FOR TAA ACCREDITATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that equine aftercare organizations can apply for accreditation from now through April 15, 2015. Once they have been accredited, such organizations are eligible to receive funding grants from the TAA to go toward the care and rehabilitation of Thoroughbreds in their care. According to the TAA Code of Standards, accreditation status is determined after a complete review of five areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. At minimum, organizations applying for accreditation must fulfill the following six requirements: o Organization must have a current status as a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization with Internal Revenue Service or be a registered charity in Canada. o Organization must have been operational for a minimum of three years. o Organization must house a minimum of 50% and/or a minimum of 5 thoroughbreds. o Organization must have an official euthanasia policy consistent with the AAEP http://aaep.mediamarketers.com/euthanasia-guidelines-i-334.html . o Principals of the organization have never been convicted of killing, abandoning, mistreating, neglecting, abusing or otherwise committing an act of cruelty to a horse. o Currently there are no legal proceedings pending against the organization, or a principal of the organization and related to the organization. Upon submission of the application for accreditation, aftercare organizations may also be subject to a site inspection. ‘A great deal of the TAA’s initial success can be attributed to the very high and thorough code of standards,’ said Jimmy Bell, president of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. ‘These transparent requirements and attention to detail provide great comfort and confidence to so many TAA supporters.’ The TAA was formed in 2012 to serve as the accreditation and fundraising body for Thoroughbred aftercare. Currently, there are 42 aftercare organizations accredited with the TAA, and those organizations were eligible for $2,400,000 in grants awarded by the TAA in 2014. ‘Organizations that are accredited by the TAA meet standards designed to enhance the well-being of Thoroughbreds upon the conclusion of their racing or breeding careers,’ said Kristin Leshney, legal associate and Thoroughbred Incentive Program coordinator for The Jockey Club and chair of the Accreditation Committee for the TAA. ‘The rigorous review of the application and the thorough inspection process ensure that all accredited organizations are providing a uniform and appropriate level of care for Thoroughbreds.’ Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups.